Audi A4 CABRIOLET 1.8T
With Audis Popular 1.8-Litre Turbo Engine Plumbed In Up Front, The Latest A4 Cabriolet Should Prove A Winner. By Andy Enright
Audi are nothing if not generous. Given that the A4 Cabriolet range already featured a 170bhp 2.4-litre V6, why the clamour to introduce an almost identically performing 163bhp 1.8-litre turbo version? It is, the company claim, because it delivers its power in its own distinctive way.
Customers can now choose between a smooth six-cylinder engine and the unmistakeable punch of a turbo-four. Now thats what we call service.
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It seems that British buyers are falling over themselves to get behind the wheel of Audis drop top to such an extent that right hand drive production has been prioritised in order to fulfil orders. As the entry-level version in the range, this 1.8-litre turbocharged variant will inherit the lions share of orders, but does it have what it takes to satisfy? Its performance credentials are fair enough, always being the odd few per cent quicker than the 2.4-litre six cylinder version.
Equipped with a five-speed gearbox, the A4 1.8T Cabriolet will accelerate to 60mph in 9.2 seconds and will reach a top speed of 140mph. For those of you wondering why the less powerful 1.
8T outperforms its six-cylinder sibling, the answer is due to weight. The four-cylinder turbo unit weighs considerably less than the bigger engine and this weight saving is especially apparent in terms of fuel economy, the 1.8T averaging 33.2mpg compared to the 2.
4-litre cars 28.8mpg. Go for the £26,790 1.8T quattro version and this figure will drop significantly.
That said, the slightly uncouth engine note of the turbocharged car and the less linear power delivery make for a slightly less satisfying convertible experience. The A4 Cabriolet is all about effortless, syrupy smooth style and the 2.4-litre car carries this off with a little more conviction. If you do want to press on however, the 1.
8T engine makes a willing companion, and also justifies the purchase of the optional Sport or S-Line packs a little more convincingly than any of its bigger brothers.
"As the entry-level version in the range, this 1.8-litre turbocharged version will inherit the lions share of orders"
In this guise, the Cabriolet rides a little lower and firmer due to sports suspension and lower profile tyres. The basic superstructure is a massive 112% stiffer than the old Princess Di era car which, given that it was about as rigid as a blancmange perhaps isnt saying much. Its possible to really put the latest car through its paces with none of the scuttle shake, wobbling mirrors and gurning suspension. More importantly, its tauter than its two main German rivals (BMWs 3 Series Convertible and Mercedes CLK Cabriolet).
The Multitronic continuously variable transmission is available with the 1.8T Cabriolet, offering a more efficient alternative to conventional automatics. This CVT system has little to no detrimental effect on perfromance and in most real world scenarios actually improves net fuel consumption, in stark contrast to the wasteful torque converter systems most automatics utilise. Instead of providing rear
seat accommodation good only for kids or lifts down the pub, German coachbuilder Karmann (who also build the Mercedes CLK Cabriolet) have worked with
Audi to create a true four-seater.
They claimed that about the original Audi Cabriolet of course, but as anyone who had to endure a back seat perch on long journeys will know, they lied. This time, thanks to a body that's 207mm longer, 50mm wider and 99mm longer in the wheelbase, the designers have at last delivered. According to the figures, there's 52mm more rear shoulder space and 66mm more rear knee-room. So yes, you and your drinking partners really can go touring. Mind you, don't go carrying too much baggage: though the boot capacity is 26 litres up on the old car, that still only means 246 litres with the roof down (or 315 litres with the top up): enough space for two golf bags in real terms. On to the beautifully-lined three-layer roof which hides beneath an aluminium-trimmed solid tonneau cover when not in use. Electrically operated of course, it opens or closes in 24 seconds and there are no fiddly manual latches to break your nails on before you can press the button. The whole thing can also be done from the outside of the car by using the remote control keyfob.
The rear window is a proper heated glass affair and there is of course an optional hard top, should you want to drive your car day-in, day-out all winter. Despite the 'A4' moniker in the car's title, Audi could quite justifiably simply christened this car 'Cabriolet', since every single exterior panel is new, as is the sharply raked windscreen. Look closely and you can pick up design cues from the TT sportscar, especially around the flush-fitting bumpers and cross-hatched front grille. It's the same inside, where the five circular air vents and the instrument dials are all circled with aluminium. As with all A4s, the build quality is brilliant, with every control you touch clicking beautifully into place. The 1.8T engine was never a natural for the A4 Cabriolet and if funds permit, the 2.
4-litre engine is a suaver alternative. Still, the turbocharged engine casts the Cabriolet in a new light as a surprisingly effective sporting car. Specify it with the Sport pack, drop the roof and search out your favoiurite back road and youll realise why there are quite so many furrowed brows in Munich and Stuttgart. Audi have arrived at a solution from an angle few expected.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T
PRICES: £25,030-£28,740 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 204g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.2s / Max Speed 140mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 24.4mpg / (extra urban) 42.1mpg / (combined) 33.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ESP, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4573/1777/1391mm
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